Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
(NOC 2231)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyCivil engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals, or may work independently in fields such as structural engineering, municipal engineering, construction design and supervision, highways and transportation engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering and environmental protection. They are employed by consulting engineering and construction companies, public works, transportation and other government departments and in many other industries.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
The median employment income for 48% of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $59,141. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$29.67
Median$47.69
MaximumAnnual Pay
$14,733
Minimum$46,694
Median$80,356
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Civil engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services to scientists, engineers and other professionals, or may work independently in fields such as structural engineering, municipal engineering, construction design and supervision, highways and transportation engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering and environmental protection. They are employed by consulting engineering and construction companies, public works, transportation and other government departments and in many other industries.
Job duties
Civil engineering technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Develop engineering designs and drawings from preliminary concepts and sketches.
- Prepare construction specifications, cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports.
- Supervise or conduct field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects.
- Conduct or supervise inspection and testing of construction materials.
- May supervise, monitor and inspect construction projects.
Civil engineering technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist in developing engineering specifications and drawings.
- Participate in field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems, road and highway systems, buildings and structures to provide data for engineering projects.
- Perform other technical functions in support of civil engineering activities.
Sample job titles
- agricultural engineering technician
- civil engineering technician
- civil engineering technologist
- construction engineering technician
- environmental technician
- land use technician
- road traffic technician
- soil testing technologist
- solid waste disposal technician
- structural engineering technician
Skills
For these jobs, you should enjoy technical work and mathematics, and have an interest in science. A high degree of manual dexterity and mechanical ability may be necessary. You must be precise, analytical, and able to work alone or as part of a team. Good oral and written communication skills are important. Familiarity with computers is also required. Physical stamina may be required for fieldwork.
Job requirements
- Completion of a two- or three-year college program in civil engineering technology or a closely related discipline is usually required for civil engineering technologists.
- Completion of a one- or two-year college program in civil engineering technology is usually required for civil engineering technicians.
- Certification in civil engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
Other considerations
There is mobility to related occupations, such as drafting technologists and technicians and construction inspectors and estimators. Progression to construction supervisors or construction managers is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional Business Services
Public Administration
Construction
Other Professional Services
Utilities
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
45-54
25-34
35-44
55-64
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$65,709 median annual incomeHigh school
$41,460 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$46,295 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$62,961 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$41,848 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Civil engineering technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of civil engineers engaged in designing and executing public works projects such as highways, dams, bridges, tunnels and other facilities. These programs include courses in site analysis, structural testing procedures, field and laboratory testing procedures, plan and specification preparation, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Engineering technology - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in a wide variety of projects. These programs include courses in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected (you may not use this job title without a professional designation). Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial requirements for the job. Employers may require professional designation; however, you do not need professional designation to legally work in this job.